328 
STRANGE DWELLINGS . 
crow and rook, but much larger. This is the Heron ( Ardea 
cinerea ), one of the very few large birds which still linger 
among us. 
On account of its own great size, the Heron makes a very 
large and very conspicuous nest, built chiefly of sticks and 
twigs, and placed on the summit of a tree. 
Like the rook, the Heron is gregarious in its nesting, so that 
a solitary Heron’s nest is very seldom seen, though now and 
then an exception to the general rule is discovered. To watch 
the manners and customs of this bird is not a very easy task, 
because the number of heronries in England is very small, and 
the shy nature of the birds renders them difficult of approach, j 
At Walton Hall, however, the Herons are so fearless, through 
long-continued impunity, that they will allow themselves to be 
watched closely, provided that the observer is quiet, and does 
not make a noise, or alarm the birds by abrupt movements. 
It is a very pretty sight to watch the great birds as they go to 
and from their nests, bringing food to their young, or flying to 
the lake in search of more fish. Numbers of the Heron may be 
seen at the water’s edge, sometimes standing on one foot, with 
their long necks completely hidden, and their bayonet-like beaks 
projecting from their shoulders. For hours the birds will retain 
this attitude, which to a human being would be the essence of 
discomfort, and it is really wonderful how they can keep up for 
so long a time the muscular energy which is expended in hold- 
ing up the spare leg and keeping it tucked under the body. 
Now and then, one of the Herons seems to wake up, and after 
a stretch of the neck and a flap of the wings, walks statelily and 
deliberately into the water, through which it stalks, examining 
every inch of bank and every cluster of weeds as it passes along. 
Presently the bird pauses, and remains quite still for some time, 
when the long neck is suddenly darted forwards, the beak dis- 
appears for a second among the reeds, and then emerges, w r ith 
a fish, frog, or water-rat in its gripe. The real beauty of the 
Heron can never be appreciated until it is seen at liberty, 
and in the enjoyment of its natural life. It suits the locality so 
well that, when it flies away, the spot has lost somewhat of its 
